National Environmental Expert at UN-Habitat-Iraq
Prof. Dr. Ahmad Salih Muhaimeed is an accomplished academic and international expert in environment and natural resources, with over 35 years of professional experience. His career spans teaching, research, and leadership roles in soil science, land management, and environmental consultancy. He has contributed extensively to the fields of soil survey, classification, and desertification control, using advanced GIS and remote sensing techniques. Ahmad has worked with leading institutions, including Baghdad University, the Arabic Center for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Lands (ACSAD), and UN-Habitat. His contributions include supervising graduate research, authoring textbooks, and publishing over 125 scientific papers.
Professional Profile
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Education
Ahmad Salih Muhaimeed holds a Ph.D. in Soil Survey and Land Management from Colorado State University, USA, specializing in the use of remote sensing and GIS. He earned his M.Sc. in Soil Survey and Classification from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, USA, and his B.S. in Soil Science from Baghdad University, Iraq. His academic journey reflects a deep focus on soil mapping, classification, and land use management. Through his studies, Ahmad developed expertise that underpins his applied research, policy advisory roles, and training activities across multiple international platforms.
Professional Experience
Ahmad Salih Muhaimeed’s professional journey includes key academic and leadership positions. At Baghdad University, he served as Professor, Head of the Soil Science and Water Resources Department, and Head of the Desertification Combat Department. He was an expert in land classification and management at ACSAD, leading regional programs. Since 2022, he has been National Environmental Specialist with UN-Habitat in Iraq. Ahmad’s roles have also involved consultancy for FAO, participation in global soil partnerships, and advisory positions in sustainable land management strategies.
Research Interest
Ahmad’s research interests encompass soil mapping through remote sensing and GIS, land use planning, soil genesis and classification, desertification control, and climate change impacts on land productivity. His work often integrates advanced geospatial technologies with environmental management strategies, aiming to improve agricultural sustainability in arid and semi-arid regions. He has also explored the role of soil salinity, drought monitoring, and carbon stock estimation, contributing significantly to global discussions on land degradation and resource conservation.
Award And Honor
Ahmad has been recognized for his contributions through prestigious fellowships and appointments. He received the Borlaug Fellowship in Agricultural Science and Technology (2008) and the Cochran Fellowship in Soil Salinity Management (2011) in the USA. He served as an expert member of FAO’s Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils (2015–2018) and as a national consultant for FAO–Iraq. His international recognition reflects his leadership in soil science, land management, and environmental sustainability.
Research Skill
Ahmad possesses advanced skills in soil survey and classification, land management, and environmental assessment using GIS and remote sensing. His expertise includes designing soil databases, modeling salinity and drought impacts, and developing land suitability and degradation indices. He is proficient in integrating field surveys with geospatial analysis, enabling accurate land evaluation and sustainable resource planning. His skills extend to supervising research, producing scientific publications, and leading interdisciplinary environmental projects.
Publications
Ahmad has published extensively, with more than 125 research papers and several textbooks in soil science and environmental management. His publications address topics such as soil classification, salinity modeling, carbon stock estimation, and the impacts of climate change on land resources. His books include “Soil Survey and Classification,” “Remote Sensing,” and “Genesis and Classification of Some Iraqi Soils.” He has also contributed to international reports, conference proceedings, and technical manuals for field applications in land and soil studies.
Title: Soil salinity prediction and mapping by machine learning regression in Central Mesopotamia, Iraq
Authors: W Wu, C Zucca, AS Muhaimeed, WM Al‐Shafie, AM Fadhil Al‐Quraishi, ...
Journal: Land Degradation & Development, 29 (11), 4005–4014
Title: Classification and distribution of Iraqi soils
Authors: AS Muhaimeed, AJ Saloom, KA Saliem, KA Alani, WM Muklef
Title: The study of temporal changes on land cover/land use prevailing in Baghdad governorate using RS & GIS
Authors: ZR Ali, AS Muhaimeed
Journal: The Iraqi Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 47 (3), 846–855
Title: Drought monitoring for Northern Part of Iraq using temporal NDVI and rainfall indices
Authors: SM Al-Hedny, AS Muhaimeed
Journal: Environmental Remote Sensing and GIS in Iraq, 301–331
Title: Soil resources of Mediterranean and Caucasus countries
Authors: Y Yigini, P Panagos, L Montanarella
Journal: Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg, 237
Title: Using L-band radar data for soil salinity mapping—a case study in Central Iraq
Authors: W Wu, AS Muhaimeed, WM Al-Shafie, AMF Al-Quraishi
Journal: Environmental Research Communications, 1 (8), 081004
Conclusion
Ahmad Salih Muhaimeed’s career is distinguished by sustained contributions to soil science, environmental management, and sustainable land use. His expertise bridges academic research, applied geospatial analysis, and policy advisory roles. With a prolific publication record, international collaborations, and recognized leadership, Ahmad has shaped both national and regional approaches to combating land degradation and improving resource management. His work continues to influence environmental policy, agricultural productivity, and scientific advancements in soil and land management.